3/9 cases its colors

Tuesday marked the fifth time in its history that the Camp Lejeune unit has been disbanded.

By THOMAS BRENNAN - Daily News Staff

Tuesday marked the fifth time in its history that a specific Camp Lejeune unit has been disbanded.

“It was a little disturbing because you don’t like to see a unit die or be sent off to pasture … But I think that as we get into more squabbles, they will un-case the colors and call 3/9 to be reactivated,” said William Conger, a company commander for 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines during the Vietnam War. “I couldn’t help but get emotional today.”

The deactivation ceremony for 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines marked the fifth time that the Marine unit has been disbanded since its formation during World War II. Over the years, the unit has deployed in support of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and more. It was last activated in 2008 in support of the war on terror. Their most recent accomplishments include a deployment to Iraq in 2009 and two deployments to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2012 where they conducted counter-insurgency operations consisting of patrols and the mentoring of local national forces.

For Marines like Conger, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines will always have a place in their heart, mainly because men fought and died for the unit colors, said Conger.

“I got to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines in early July of 1967,” Conger said of his tour in Vietnam. “The helicopter I rode out on — an H-34 — was full of blood and guts. My first taste of combat was seeing what the enemy had done to us. And let me tell you, I led and fought beside some of the best men I’d ever served with while I was with 9th Marines.”

Despite its illustrious history, the unit seems expendable, said Conger.

“It’s tough to take but we realize the 9th Marines throughout our history — we come and go,” Conger said. “But there’s no question that the Marines of today are just as strong in their resolve as the Marines of World War II, Korea or wherever. They still have that same dedication and esprit de corps.”

For the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Cooper, folding and casing the colors was an honor, he said.

“I’m truly proud to be a part of this ceremony,” he said. “The Marines and sailors over the last five years have absolutely through their honor, courage and commitment maintained the legacy that was passed on to them.”

The Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, will transfer to other units across the base now that the unit is no longer operational, according to Cooper.

“And I’d like to thank them for their sincere dedication and for their service,” he said, adding that his message to them is simple: “Hold the line.”

“There will come a time when this battalion will be established again and we will unfurl those colors,” he said, “ … and they will look back on everything you have accomplished and be proud.”